We’re saying goodbye to Harry  and to our childhoods as well

Young people are mourning not only the end of the Harry Potter books but also the end of their childhoods

Queuing up outside Water-stone's at 11.50pm nine days ago for Harry Potter 7 was at once one of the most exciting and tragic moments of my life. As I rushed home and remained glued to the book for the next eight hours this terrible knowledge sat at the back of my mind: whether Harry lived or died, he'd be gone.

For me, like so many others, Harry Potter represents my childhood. My mother brought home the first Harry Potter book when I was seven and it has consumed my imagination since that day. Throughout all the friendship trials and tribulations I encountered growing up, Harry's magical world was ever present.

Every book's publication was the year's most sensational treat. Harry, Ron and Hermione became like old friends and for several blissful hours of escapism I could be consumed by their extraordinary lives, which were so much more exciting than my